Thanks from Pere Michaud

We have received a really nice letter from Pere Michaud thanking us for all Haitian Hope has done. He uses St. Francis more often than Haitian Hope because he understands the church concept better than the mission committee concept. Knowing in what beautiful ways each of you has served these children of God gives me pause and makes me extremely grateful to be a part of you.  
 

Good evening, Marcia

I am very happy to know the group had an excellent trip; and the visit was extraordinary for us in Trouin also.  By the presence of the group we have been blessed and filled with grace and thanksgiving.

So, I thank St. Francis Church for all that it has been done for us at St. Marc's—Trouin.  We are very grateful for the people of Macon, Georgia, especially for the construction of the school which we have just dedicated for its opening.  In addition, in the name of the committee, I must apologize to all our friends in Haitian Hope and St. Francis for the errors and faults committed by any one of us.  We are aware that being human, we all have weaknesses and faults which we have committed but will never again repeat. 

We love all of you very much and we keep all the people of St. Francis and Haitian Hope in our hearts.  May our relationship continue in perpetuity, our bonds growing deeper day by day as Trouin transforms itself.  Thank you for everything. 

Father Michaud Fruitho,

Priest-in-charge

They're Home!

 The good news: Caroline La Borde and Gail Moulton, along with the group of 8 from Region 13-Virginia, arrived home safely from their trip to Trouin. Haitian Hope is exceedingly grateful to have a beautiful partnership with the Virginians, who in turn partner (together with us) with St. Marc's-Trouin, Haiti.

The better news: Everything was accomplished as expected: students counted, teachers interviewed, photos taken, solar panels installed, relationships bloomed, and brother/sisterhood abounded. We rejoice in living and learning conditions for our children in Trouin which have improved immensely since 2006, the beginning of our relationship.

The best news: The solar panels work and provide power for recharging computers and cell phones; and provide the means for electric lights in the school. Thanks to your donations and the labor of many from Georgia and Virginia, 2013 brings to the students at St. Marc's, for the first time, access to clean water, bathroom facilities, computers and electric lights in the classrooms. The students also proudly wear uniforms, have paid teachers and can eat a hot meal everyday.

What a changed world they now know. Alleluia! Praise be to God and the work of the Holy Spirit among the hearts of so many people. 

Peace and love,

Marcia

 

Update #6 from Russ

Tuesday, Feb.5

End of last day in Trouin. It is an insane 1:30 a.m. So this will be a very short note. We depart for Port Au Prince in three and a half hours. Assuming no delays we will get to National about 10:30 p.m.

Solar power installation is complete. We tested on generator as the batteries did not have enough time to charge today after being hooked up.

Pere Justin came down with a stomach bug so he was seen at the health clinic in Trouin. They did nice job of getting him back on his feet. Should be no problem traveling with us tomorrow.

We finished the day with a long, productive meeting with the team and Pere Michaud reviewing finances, issues and plans for the future.

Good night! Russ

Update #5 from Russ

Sunday, Feb. 3.

Very late on a long day. Everyone is well. Brotherhood. We are all brothers and sisters on this earth. We spent a wonderful day of celebration with our Haitian friends.

The day dawned cloudy with light sprinkles, but cleared before Bishop Duracin's arrival. We rocked the church during our 2 and 1/2 hour service. the church overflowed as the Bishop expressed everyone's appreciation for our support. Pere Michaud's wonderful son was baptized with Pere Kate and Henry Stribling as 2 of his 4 god parents. The band and choir were outstanding, and Nicole's children's choir was a highlight of the service.

Pere Michaud arranged for the Bishop to present plaques to each of the churches who have helped. Utile the school, thanking us for our assistance. A wonderful surprise for us. Gail Moulton accepted the plaque for Gary Hays, designer of the building and a driving force in its construction.

The school was dedicated and then we attended a reception with Bishop Duracin and his family.

Pere Michaud led us to Jacmel in the afternoon to give us a view of the Haitian countryside. Our team of ten was accompanied by Pere Michaud, Wilson and six of our Haitian friends. Our rented van broke down on the way ......no problem.... our friend and driver Wilson arranged for another van and we continued on our way.

We arrived in Jacmel at sundown and found Carnival had started. Amazing!! The streets filled with thousands of people... Everyone bumping together as we moved along, but everyone respectful; music too loud to speak sometimes but everyone was in the street for a party ... No problems. We made our way to the second floor of a hotel and were able to watch the parade of celebrants make their way down the street. The building was a mob scene but people insisted on putting out chairs for us.

A busy day ahead tomorrow as we try to wrap up our visit.

Goodnight from Haiti.
Russ

Update #4 from Russ

Saturday, Feb. 2.

All is well. Everyone super busy today as the Bishop comes tomorrow. Solar power pole and panels installed; temporary batteries in place; wiring almost completed.

Amazing transformation of Trouin. ... school washed, fresh paint in the church and all trash cleaned up.

Pere Justin, Nicole and Russ were invited by the Trade School director to attend the funeral of the mother of one of the computer students. The funeral was a real cultural experience.

Gail and Caroline met with the daughters of the King. Both the soap and goat programs are going well. They met with Salien this afternoon and accomplished much with him.

Nicole' s rehearsal with the children's choir was awesome. They will rock the church tomorrow.

Kids continue to play soccer with our tennis balls.

Pere Kate worked with Kercia, Pere Michaud's wife to get everything ready for tomorrow. Dave mounted the dedication plaque on the school.... Looks great.

Every sends their love and appreciation for your support.

Russ

Update #3 from Russ

Friday, Feb 1.

Everyone is fine.
Solar installation making progress: wiring installed; boxes installed. Remaining materials purchased today. Should get pole and solar panels and light fixtures done tomorrow.

Nicole rocked the school leading classes in song and dance. Haiti now knows Gangnam style. Videos are in save hands. Caroline and Gail also share in the guilt. They will meet with Salien this eve.

Visited clinic and met with official from Haitian Health service and the doctor on duty. Clinic still operates 5 days a week with a doctor, a lab technician and a volunteer nurse.

The cooking class cooked a meal for us with a borrowed grill. It was excellent. We will meet with the Trade School director this eve. He will be teaching computer class Saturday morning.

Rehearsals continue for the Bishop's visit. Another day in the eighties with a few sprinkles.

Everyone sends love to those supporting us at home. There is now a working shower; we are much cleaner.
Russ

Update #2 from Russ

All goes well in Trouin. Solar project started wiring; solar panels batteries and pole for the panels to be purchased, hopefully Friday. Met with Trade School Director Dutervil. Very impressive. Ladies on our trip measured for skirts and dresses to be made by sewing class. Ready for delivery next visit.

Caroline and Gail worked in the school library, took lots of pictures, including secondary school teachers.

Bad news on the stove. Had minor explosion with propane, no one seriously hurt, but will need new stove.

Nicole led 18 youngsters in singing This Little Light of Mine which will be part of the school dedication.

Delivered the plaque to Pere Michaud . He loved it. Pere Kate currently feeding Lentz, Pere Michaud's son, who is wonderful.

Tennis Balls a great hit.